(CNS): Updated -Officers leading the search for missing teaching assistant, Nathan Clarke, confirmed Monday that the official search has now been called off some 16 days since Nathan was last seen walking towards the water’s edge on Seven Mile Beach near Calico Jack’s. Despite hundreds of civilian volunteers working with RCIPS officers and the deploment of major resources including specialist dogs from Miami there has been no sign of Nathan. Only the 31 year old man's cell phone has been recovered during the search. “We have completely exhausted the search areas at land and at sea, but unfortunately we have not been able to find Nathan,"Chief Inspector Richard Barrow, who has been overseeing the search operation.

"I would like to thank all of the volunteers who came out day after day and tirelessly assisted our officers during the searches. I know that Nathan’s parents, his brother and sister, his fiancée Lisa and her parents are also very grateful to all those who have helped and shown support during this difficult time,” he added.

Although the land and sea searches have been called off officers stressed that the investigation into what happened to Nathan is still active and hey continue to appeal for people on the Island to remain vigilant and to report immediately any information that may assist police with the enquiry.

"The families will continue to be kept fully informed of progress," a police spokesperson noted.

Nathan was last seen by his grilfriend at around 8:30 close to the water’s edge on Saturday 26 February outside Calico Jack’s bar

Anyone with information can call the RCIPS on 949-3999 and they can send images of the night he disappeared to nathanclarkeinfo@yahoo.com for other details visit the Find Nathan Facebook page.